I can never resist a sign like that, particularly when it is posted at Stuff ‘n’ Such in Elk Rapids, where Louan presides—and it includes the good stuff. If you are from Around Here, you have either been over there and bought some shoes or you took one look at this and are heading out the door right now without even bothering to read the rest of the post. That’s OK. Come back after and say thank you. I already bought mine. Two pairs. I almost bought the red boots, too, but I got hold of myself just in time. I figure I saved about $150 already and I couldn’t afford to save any more.
The photos make it look as though there’s a going-out-of-business sale on, but that is not the case. Stuff ‘n’ Such is simply clearing out the last of the winter stock. Another week and the place will be full of pastels, all ready for spring. Resort-area shopkeepers, like the farmers of Antrim County, are eternal optimists.
Now I’m off to pick up Betty Beeby and Mar DeTar. We are going to a chili supper for Elk Rapids Area Historical Society volunteers, and then to Terry Wooten’s reading from Water Under the Bridge, his newest book of prose poems and oral history. Excellent treats and our first chance to see Terry and Wendi since the birth of their new granddaughter. All that and new shoes. My choice. Life may get better than this, but it doesn’t have to on my account.
Here is a present for you: Suspended Ice on Martha Tenney’s blog.
Torch Lake Views 
tootlepedal
February 23, 2012
It’s a full day.
Gerry
February 23, 2012
It was, and I left stuff out. I am back home, full of excellent chili and raspberry lemonade and homemade cookies. I will have to tell you all about it tomorrow.
Sybil
February 23, 2012
Holy cats ! I checked out that astonishing photo of Suspended Ice. WTF ???
Gerry
February 23, 2012
Is that not wonderful? It’s wonderful.
Martha
February 23, 2012
Gerry, girl, those red boots….ummmm. Nice. Rethink that decision. And how do you guys get to be optimists over there when we have very little of that over here? Shhhh. Don’t tell anyone I said that. I could get swatted by the chamber.
And many thanks for the link to my photo. Settin’ the bar.
Gerry
February 23, 2012
Nope. I am resolved against the red boots. (I did try them on, but I held firm.)
Not all the shopkeepers are optimists, and no one ever said it was easy, but a person has to be able to dig up some kind of confidence in the future in order to buy a whole lot of new things for spring. Sort of like farmers buying seed and rootstock.
You are welcome for the link – thank you for the photo!
Heather
February 23, 2012
In Alden? I live awfully close not to go save money on those galoshes!
Gerry
February 24, 2012
Sorry – I can’t believe I didn’t say where it is. Elk Rapids! Many fine emporia in Alden as well, but no Stuff ‘n’ Such.
Heather
February 24, 2012
Well Elk Rapids is pretty close too. I must have been thinking of Nifty Things…
Gerry
February 24, 2012
That would make sense. Both Alden and ER are graced by a Nifty Things, and in both cases it is a wonderful shop. I especially appreciate that they stay open in the winter. I know it’s hard to do that, but the Lit Windows of Winter make all the difference.
Fee
February 24, 2012
Oh, I love a bargain. I scored my best one ever after Christmas – I got a warm cosy coat for no pounds and no pence. £0.00. Yes, nothing. Which is a bit of a bargain, even for me. I got a £15 voucher from my employer because I didn’t attend the sponsored Christmas night out, and the coat was reduced to £15, hey presto, free coat. I clarify that in case anyone suspects dishonesty! Those red boots look infinitely more cosy than the suede high heels I picked up for half price the same day (and can’t wear outside because the sole is barely thicker than an envelope!)
Gerry
February 24, 2012
I think you are a smart shopper and your employer is pretty smart too. If you were able to shop in Elk Rapids you could buy the red boots AND a nice cat tote. Wear the first to wend your way through the Lake Effect to get to the party at my house and then reach into the cat tote to pull out the delicate girl-shoes. Magic.
Joss
February 24, 2012
“Life may get better than this but it doesn’t have to on my account”: what a great line! I think I’ll be using that myself one day soon. (Attributed, of course!)
Gerry
February 24, 2012
I am glad you like it. Use it in good health. 😉
Dawn
February 25, 2012
You’d have looked great in the red boots…but then we don’t know what you bought instead…so hard to say. LOVE the suspended ice! Very very very very cool. Literally.
Gerry
February 25, 2012
Ah well. Someone else will no doubt look great in those red boots too. I’m glad you liked the ice photo. Me too.
Kathy
February 25, 2012
Looks like a good place to shop! Isn’t it fun to find such shopping treasures?
Gerry
February 25, 2012
It is a very good place to shop. Louan works there, and she is good at helping people find things that suit them. Of course there was that time she talked me into those red suede shoes. I loved those shoes, but I’d gone into the store for a pair of boring black shoes to wear to work.
flandrumhill
March 3, 2012
You couldn’t afford to save more? I know what you mean. I’d be partial to those colorful rubber boots if I didn’t have a good pair already this year from Canadian Tire. Besides, they’re probably sold by now and splashing in puddles.
Gerry
March 5, 2012
I’ll bet they were sold and the cuffs pulled up to the knees and plowed through 14 inches of heavy wet snow. I love that you buy boots from Canadian Tire. I am attracted to the neoprene ones with flowers and lug soles. If they were knee length I’d have gotten some.